In a historic victory for French athletics, Marie-Julie Bonnin has become the first French woman ever to win the World Indoor Championships in pole vaulting, held on March 22, 2025, in Nanjing, China. Clearing a height of 4.75 meters on her second attempt, Bonnin not only clinched the gold medal but also matched the French pole vault record.
At just 23 years old, the Bordeaux native had already garnered attention for her performance earlier this month, securing a bronze medal at the European Championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. This recent championship adds a significant achievement to her budding career, positioning her as a rising star in the sport.
In the competition, Bonnin faced tough challenges, including an earlier struggle with a height of 4.60 meters, which she cleared only on her third attempt. However, she managed to rebound spectacularly with her successful jump at 4.75 meters, securing the win, as no other competitor managed to clear that height.
The Nanjing event showcased a highly competitive field, where the Slovene Tina Sutej and Swiss competitor Angelica Moser both finished just behind Bonnin, each clearing 4.70 meters. The defending champion, Molly Caudery from the UK, ended in fourth place with the same height. Bonnin's achievement not only marks a personal milestone but is also the first gold medal for Team France at these world championships.
Speaking after her triumph, Bonnin expressed her disbelief and joy, stating, “I can’t believe it right now, I am so proud. I managed the competition well; I am so happy.” Her exuberance reflected the excitement of the moment as she wrapped herself in the French tricolor flag.
Following her victory, Bonnin attempted to push her limits further by attempting to clear 4.80 meters but fell short of achieving a new record. Nevertheless, her performance was lauded as exceptional, considering the long and arduous nature of the contest, which lasted nearly three hours due to technical delays with the vaulting poles.
Reflecting on the prolonged competition, Bonnin noted, “It was a bit of a crazy competition. We were all a bit annoyed that it took so long, but at the same time, I was able to see it as an opportunity to stand out.” Her resilience in the face of adversity demonstrated her mental strength and focus.
In the lead-up to her victory, Bonnin had established herself as a contender, achieving consistent heights of 4.70 meters throughout the winter season. Notably, this consistency comes after she had previously only dreamt of making an appearance at these championships. “Initially, we wondered if it was worth it to come and compete,” she admitted about her season’s goals. “But it turns out, it was definitely worth it!”
Currently, projections using artificial intelligence have even suggested that Bonnin has the potential to clear 4.90 meters in the future, thanks to her impressive speed during competitions, measured between 8.7 and 8.9 meters per second. With her remarkable performance in Nanjing, anticipation surrounds her future in the sport.
Bonnin’s achievement is monumental not just for her but for French athletics, and it opens doors for more representation of female athletes on the international stage in pole vaulting. “I am so proud to share the French record with Ninon Chapelle,” she noted, emphasizing her gratitude for reaching this pinnacle of her sport.
In conclusion, Marie-Julie Bonnin’s victory at the World Indoor Championships marks a significant moment in athletics, both for her personal accomplishments and for the future of women in sports in France. Celebrations will surely follow this historic triumph, and fans eagerly await what the next chapter will hold for this remarkable athlete.
